Tag: Public Safety

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Laval Today. Sep. 20, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The morning chat

Good morning,

This morning, we’re rounding up the news that touches Laval and Quebec: a busy night for Laval firefighters, local athletes heading to the World Championships, and a provincial election campaign heating up. Plenty to start the day informed.

What to know this morning

  • Two suspicious fires in Laval in one night: A historic home in Sainte-Rose and a vacant building in Chomedey were ravaged by flames, and investigators with the Service de police de Laval are on the case.
  • Eleven Triathlon Laval athletes heading to Worlds: A record delegation for the club, which will compete at the age-group World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.
  • Frรฉchette thinks Quebecers are warming to fracking: The CAQ leader cited a “greater openness” to shale gas, reacting to a La Presse poll.

Close to home

  • Fire destroys very old Laval home: A house built around 1865 on chemin de la Petite-Cรดte in Sainte-Rose was completely destroyed by a fire overnight Saturday. Firefighters limited the spread, but the property is a total loss.
  • Suspicious fire in City of Laval building: A blaze hit a vacant building on boulevard Notre-Dame in Chomedey, and suspicious elements were found. The investigation has been handed to the Service de police de Laval.
  • Chaotic back-to-school at รฉcole des Ormeaux: Teachers are denouncing a late decision to dismantle multigrade classes a week before the start of school, causing stress and disorganization.

Main story

Two suspicious fires rock Laval in the same night

Saturday night was a busy one for the Service de sรฉcuritรฉ incendie de Laval, which fought three nearly simultaneous blazes, two of them suspicious.

The first, reported at 1:46 a.m., hit a vacant City of Laval building on boulevard Notre-Dame in Chomedey. When firefighters arrived, smoke was coming from the second floor. Crews launched an interior attack and discovered suspicious elements, leading the Service de police de Laval to open an investigation. Damage is estimated at about $200,000.

The second, reported at 2:15 a.m., ravaged a house built around 1865 on chemin de la Petite-Cรดte in Sainte-Rose. The 26 firefighters deployed managed to limit the spread of flames that were beginning to reach Hydro-Quรฉbec equipment. The property is a total loss, with damage estimated at about $316,000 for the building and $25,000 for its contents.

No hypothesis is being ruled out as to the origin of these fires, which could be accidental or criminal.

In detail

Eleven Triathlon Laval athletes heading to Worlds

A delegation of 11 athletes from Triathlon Laval will compete at the age-group World Championships from September 23 to 27 in Pontevedra, Spain.

According to club president Annie-Claude Bรฉdard, it would be one of the highest totals for a single club in Canada. Qualifiers include Danielle Levert, 66, and Mรฉlodie Dao, 18, showing the wide age range represented.

“We’re developing and we’re seeing a push on the elite athlete side here,” says Bรฉdard, who credits head coach ร‰ric Douville for the success.

The club also organizes the Triathlon de Laval every June at the Centre de la nature.

Frรฉchette thinks Quebecers are warming to fracking

Shale gas became a campaign issue Saturday, as CAQ leader Christine Frรฉchette said Quebecers are more open to fracking, notably because of trade tensions with the United States.

Referring to a La Presse poll, she said: “I think Quebecers have shifted their perspective and I believe there is greater openness to these possibilities.”

The CAQ banned shale gas exploration and production in 2022. Frรฉchette, however, said she is not yet ready to say whether Quebec should move forward, and that it would require “social acceptance.”

Four firefighters injured during exercise in Blainville

Four firefighters with the Blainville fire service were injured Saturday during a training exercise when part of a roof collapsed.

According to the Association des pompiers de Blainville, they were treated and transported to receive the necessary care. None of their injuries are life-threatening.

The CNESST and Blainville police are to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Coup de Cล“ur

The Triathlon Laval delegation heading to Worlds is a wonderful illustration of what perseverance and community spirit can accomplish. With athletes from 18 to 66, this club proves that sport can bring all generations together and inspire an entire city.

To close

Wishing you a beautiful day, with a little time to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re on the road or at home, enjoy every moment. See you tomorrow! โ˜•

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Laval Today. july. 25, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• Weekend Briefing

Good morning,

Today weโ€™re keeping an eye on a file that directly affects public services in Quebec, while Laval and the North Shore remain very present in the news with a judicial case and the aftermath of Tuesdayโ€™s storms. We also stop in Montreal, where public safety, sports and a community initiative are making headlines.

What to know this morning

  • Quebec shelves artificial intelligence projects in its public services: Several pilot projects, including a conversational robot planned for Quebec.ca, have been abandoned after a series of technical and organizational obstacles.
  • A Laval man faces trafficking charges in Ontario: A 23โ€‘yearโ€‘old man from Laval was arrested by police.
  • Two tornadoes confirmed near us after Tuesdayโ€™s storms: Harrington in the Laurentians and Saintโ€‘Donat in Lanaudiรจre were both hit.
  • A 45โ€‘yearโ€‘old man was stabbed in downtown Montreal: The attack occurred early Saturday morning in Villeโ€‘Marie and no arrests had been made at the time of publication.
  • A pastry shop in LaSalle was targeted by arson: The fire caused minor damage and no one was injured.
  • The Alouettes meet Hamilton in an important matchup: Montreal can take a more comfortable lead in the East and secure the tiebreaker against the Tigerโ€‘Cats.
  • A recall targets a Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo bar in Canada: The product contains undeclared pistachios and may pose a serious risk for people with allergies.

Elsewhere in Quebec and Canada

  • Quebec sends three water bombers to British Columbia: SOPFEU is assisting in the fight against wildfires.
  • Nine provinces ease rules on direct alcohol sales: The movement is progressing, but some barriers remain.
  • Canada maintains its position on energy drinks: While the United Kingdom follows Quebecโ€™s lead for youth, Ottawa is not changing course.
  • A Canadian intern at NATO was arrested in Belgium: The arrest is linked to an espionage case.

Main story

Quebec drops several artificial intelligence pilot projects in public services

Quebec has abandoned several pilot projects related to automation and artificial intelligence in its public services. Among them was a conversational robot intended for Quebec.ca.

The obstacles were numerous. The robot struggled with fluid exchanges, handling more complex requests, error management and response times.

Two automation projects were also abandoned. The difficulties involved data access, certain security limitations, a lack of internal expertise and processes that were not ready for this type of tool.

The chatbot project for Quebec.ca will not be deployed this year, and no new timeline has been set. Even the steps planned to formally assess its feasibility were not completed.

In detail

A Laval man among three people charged with trafficking in Ontario

A 23โ€‘yearโ€‘old man from Laval was arrested at an ONroute on Highway 401 after the Ontario Provincial Police located a vehicle linked to a minor reported missing in Quebec. Officers discovered that two of the occupants were victims of human trafficking.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of about 500 grams of cocaine, several weapons, nearly 1,500 dollars in cash and materials associated with drug trafficking and human trafficking. The three suspects face charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, human trafficking, trafficking a minor and possession of proceeds of crime.

Mathis Bourgeois, 23, of Laval, also faces charges of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failing to comply with a probation order and having cannabis and alcohol readily available in a vehicle. For our editorial team, the fact that someone from Laval is involved in such a serious case added a local angle that didn’t go unnoticed.

Two tornadoes confirmed in the Laurentians and Lanaudiรจre after Tuesdayโ€™s storms

A tornado struck Harrington in the Laurentians with winds reaching 175 km/h. Power poles, trees, barns and homes were damaged, but no injuries were reported.

A second tornado was confirmed in Saintโ€‘Donat, in Lanaudiรจre. Classified EF0, it produced winds up to 115 km/h and damaged trees near Lac Beauchamp.

For residents of Laval and the North Shore, it is a clear reminder that weather alerts are not just decorative notifications.

A man seriously injured in a stabbing in downtown Montreal

A 45โ€‘yearโ€‘old man was found injured near Sainteโ€‘Catherine and Saintโ€‘Marc streets in Villeโ€‘Marie after a conflict in a nearby alley.

The attack occurred around 4 a.m. near Sainteโ€‘Catherine and Chomedey. The man was taken to hospital in critical condition, then stabilized.

No arrests had been made at the time of publication.

A community initiative in Montreal focused on learning as much as leisure

In Cรดteโ€‘desโ€‘Neigesโ€“Notreโ€‘Dameโ€‘deโ€‘Grรขce, Camp Valiquette is adding learning activities to its sports and arts programming for youth.

Depending on age group, children and teens can take part in general knowledge activities, typing, chess and basic financial literacy. The organization also offers afterโ€‘school programs, activities during school breaks, help with rรฉsumรฉs and opportunities for volunteering and employment.

The initiative relies on partnerships with CLSCs, youth centres and churches to make certain programs more accessible at reduced cost or free of charge.

Coup de Cล“ur

There is something simple and powerful in an initiative that gives young people more tools, more guidance and more momentum. This kind of patient work does not always make noise, but it strengthens a community from within.

In closing

We wish you a light evening and a Sunday that moves at your own pace, without surprises and with a bit of rest for the mind. Some days call for a good coffee and clear information. That is already plenty. โ˜•

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Laval Today. jun. 13, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• Weekend Coffee Chat

Greetings to all,

Today we are keeping an eye on what affects daily life directly, along with a few broader stories that deserve more than a quick glance between sips of coffee. On the menu: Quebec politics, public safety in Montreal, a food recall, and a few Canadian stories that go beyond the headline.

What to know this morning

  • The National Assembly has adjourned until the fall: The parliamentary session is over and MNAs will next meet on the campaign trail.
  • The Quebec Liberal Party plans to send a formal notice to Paul Stโ€‘Pierre Plamondon: The PLQ is responding after the PQ leader linked the party to organized crime.
  • The ban on open fires in or near forests has been lifted: Quebec ended the measure Saturday morning in collaboration with SOPFEU.
  • Five children from the same family die in an Ontario collision: Five adults and an infant were also seriously injured.
  • Lactantia UltraPลซr 2 percent lactoseโ€‘free milk recalled: The product is being pulled due to excessive levels of vitamins A and D.
  • Unauthorized nicotine pouches recalled: Health Canada is recalling Siberia (35 mg) and ZYN (6 mg) nicotine pouches sold without authorization. Incorrect nicotine levels on the labels can lead to overconsumption and adverse effects. Consumers are asked to check their products and stop using the affected lots.
  • Canada earns a point in its first World Cup match: The Canadian team opened the tournament with a draw.

Justice and society

  • In Montreal, the investigation into Station 39 is expanding: Two officers have been suspended, three reassigned to administrative duties, and fourteen others transferred or moved to roles without public contact.
  • Montrealโ€™s mayor wants to speed up the bodyโ€‘camera project: The city plans to invest 40 million dollars to deploy body cameras and cameras on police vehicles.
  • The police union condemns the racism allegations: It calls the allegations completely unacceptable and disturbing, while reminding the public of the presumption of innocence.

Across Canada

  • New Brunswickโ€™s lieutenantโ€‘governor must be bilingual: The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of the Sociรฉtรฉ de lโ€™Acadie du Nouveauโ€‘Brunswick.
  • Zeroโ€‘emission vehicle sales are rising: In April, sales were up 21 percent year over year nationwide.
  • Mark Carney sees the G7 as a place of realignment: He believes the summit could help shape a new global order.
  • Canada denies entry to Thomas Partey for the World Cup: Ghana plans diplomatic and legal steps after the visa refusal.

Top story

Important recall: a Lactantia milk sold in Quebec contains excessive levels of vitamins A and D

A recall affects a specific Lactantia product: UltraPลซr 2 percent lactoseโ€‘free milk sold in twoโ€‘litre cartons, identified by UPC 0 68200 14854 0 and bestโ€‘before date June 22, 2026. The product contains excessive enrichment of vitamins A and D, above recommended daily limits.

The recall mainly concerns purchases made at Costco, where the product was sold under item 1987085. Lactalis Canada says the enrichment error may pose a health risk if consumed in large quantities, although no illnesses have been reported.

Consumers are asked not to drink the product, not to serve or use it, and to discard it or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with concerns or symptoms is encouraged to speak with a health professional.

No other UltraPลซr products from Lactantia are affected.

In depth

In Montreal, the Station 39 case reignites the bodyโ€‘camera debate

Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada responded to allegations of discriminatory, hateful and racist behaviour involving officers from Station 39 in Montreal North.

Two officers have been suspended. Three others have been assigned to administrative duties. Fourteen others have been transferred or reassigned to roles without public contact.

The SPVM has been investigating since March. The city plans to invest 40 million dollars to deploy body cameras and cameras on police vehicles.

Legal questions still need to be resolved before the tools can be put into service.

Quebec fully lifts the ban on open fires in or near forests

The Ministry of Public Security has fully lifted the ban on open fires in or near forests.

The decision took effect Saturday at 9 a.m., in collaboration with SOPFEU.

Since the start of the season, 202 fires have affected 194 hectares. At the same date, the tenโ€‘year average is 241 fires and 108,164 hectares burned.

The parliamentary session ends and the political tone continues to rise

The National Assembly has adjourned until the fall.

In the same political wave, the Quebec Liberal Party intends to send a formal notice to Paul Stโ€‘Pierre Plamondon after the PQ leader linked the party to organized crime.

In other words, even when the work stops, the atmosphere is not exactly taking a coffee break.

Canada denies entry to Thomas Partey for the World Cup

The Ghanaian government plans diplomatic and legal steps after Canada refused a visa to Thomas Partey for the World Cup opening match in Toronto.

Canada says each entry request is assessed individually based on available facts and applicable laws.

The player will still be able to take part in the June 23 match in the United States.

Before we go

Thanks for starting your day with us.

Wishing you a simple weekend, smooth travel, and a day that moves a little more gently than your inbox. โ˜•

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Laval Today. May. 28, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• Morning Briefing

Good morning,

Today brings a lot of concrete items to discuss: health, public safety, and a few political files making noise in both Quebec City and Ottawa. Here is what you need to start the day with a head a little less cluttered than your inbox.

What to know this morning

  • 556,473 patients now affiliated with a GMF: Quebec surpasses its target a month early, but real clinical followโ€‘up remains unclear.
  • Quebec sovereignty: Mathieu Lacombe would vote yes: The Culture Minister says he does not want a referendum, but would vote yes if one were held.
  • Steven Guilbeault stepping away from politics: Guilbeault says he will leave political life at the end of the parliamentary session.

Across Canada and around the world

  • Visit from Chinaโ€™s foreign minister: A first in ten years, seen as a sign of diplomatic easing.
  • Strait of Hormuz: conflicting signals: Iran says it has received a draft agreement. Washington denies it.

Main story

556,473 patients affiliated with a GMF, but followโ€‘up remains unclear

Quebec says it has surpassed its target: 556,473 people are now registered with a family doctor or a GMF, one month ahead of schedule. Health Minister Sonia Bรฉlanger notes that more than 200,000 vulnerable patients are included in the total.

But the announcement raises several questions.

Family doctors will receive a 2.5 per cent bonus for reaching the target, after an accelerated mailing of affiliation letters. And despite being registered, patients are not yet under active followโ€‘up. They will still need to go through the GAP to get an appointment. The affiliation is real, but clinical care is not yet in place.

Quebec also relaxed verification procedures to reach the target, which led to some incorrect registrations, including patients already receiving care in CHSLDs.

Opposition parties call it a โ€œletters, not appointmentsโ€ operation and question the real impact of bonuses paid before services improve.

For Laval, the immediate effect is limited. Newly registered patients enter the network, but wait times will still depend on GMF capacity and how the GAP functions.

In detail

Quebecโ€™s ombudsman criticizes prolonged isolation and other detention practices

Quebecโ€™s ombudsman, Marcโ€‘Andrรฉ Dowd, is criticizing the use of measures he considers poorly adapted in provincial detention centres. His report describes an approach centred on complete isolation, handcuffs, chains and pepper spray, interventions that worsen problematic behaviour among vulnerable detainees instead of stabilizing it.

He highlights the case of a woman kept in 24โ€‘hour isolation for nearly two months, a measure that intensified her selfโ€‘destructive reactions. The report notes that these practices do not reflect the realities increasingly present in detention, such as mental health issues, addiction, intellectual disabilities or homelessness.

Mr. Dowd recommends a more consistent use of psychosocial approaches, already outlined by the ministry but rarely applied. Two teams that adopted this model saw better outcomes for both detainees and staff. The report proposes 17 measures to reduce prolonged isolation, improve training and humanize interventions without compromising safety.

Indigenous women continue to be sterilized without consent in Quebec

We noted yesterday that a report confirmed Indigenous women in Quebec had been sterilized without their consent. Newly released details paint an even heavier picture. Professor Suzy Basile, who leads the research, says the accounts gathered across Nations clearly show systemic racism in the health system.

This second phase of the study includes testimony from 97 women, 55 of whom were sterilized without consent, with cases occurring after 2000 and even in 2022. Combining both phases, 77 of 132 women report a forced sterilization. Indigenous leaders are calling for official apologies and compare the gravity of the issue to other dark chapters in history, noting that the refusal to acknowledge systemic racism prevents real progress.

The report also highlights the exhaustion of women and organizations who see studies pile up without concrete change. Despite commitments made after the death of Joyce Echaquan, many say they still do not feel safe in the health system. The fact that three times more women testified than in 2022 shows both a growing willingness to speak out and the urgency of lasting change.

Coup de Cล“ur

Even on a day dominated by numbers, investigations and political tension, there is something reassuring in news that touches access to care. It is not spectacular, but when a file speaks directly to appointments, followโ€‘up and doors opening a little wider, it reaches peopleโ€™s real lives.

Before we go

Thanks for starting your morning with us. We wish you a clear head, lighter traffic and, if possible, a slightly less painful stop at the pump. โ˜•

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Laval Today. May. 21, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The morning chat

Good morning,

Today we look at public safety in Laval, and a few very practical updates that affect your wallet, your travel plans, and public services. There is also a bit of Montreal and a bit of Quebec in the mix, just enough to give you the useful picture before you head out.

What to know this morning

  • Laval police are looking for other potential victims after an arrest in a sexual assault case. A 38โ€‘yearโ€‘old man faces several charges and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.
  • Coucheโ€‘Tard is offering a 10 cent per litre discount this afternoon. The promotion runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at participating stations while gas prices remain very high.
  • A flight to Detroit was diverted to Montreal due to Ebolaโ€‘related restrictions. The passenger involved was asymptomatic and was sent back to Paris.
  • La Victoire de Montrรฉal has won the Walter Cup. The team defeated Ottawa 4โ€“0.

To watch

  • Quebec wants to help reduce Hydro bills in older rental units. The updated program targets buildings constructed in 1995 or earlier.
  • Government engineers in Quebec are on strike. The movement began at midnight Wednesday and could intensify through June.
  • Quebec wants to help recent graduates find work. The measure could support up to 5,000 young people, according to the government.
  • Concerns persist around access to medical records in the DSN. Unions warn of security risks.

Montreal and surrounding areas

  • The Crescent Street Grand Prix Festival returns for its 25th anniversary. The free event runs from May 21 to 24 in downtown Montreal.
  • Circuit Gillesโ€‘Villeneuve is opening its doors to fans ahead of the Grand Prix. Some visitors can access pit lane and the garages before race weekend.
  • Montrealโ€™s geyser continues to be costly. Legal claims now exceed 87 million dollars.
  • A new report says some heritage rules in Montreal are too strict. Hรฉritage Montrรฉal argues that converting heritage buildings remains overly complex.

Across Canada and beyond

  • Ottawa is investing 15 million dollars to clean up ghost fishing gear. The funding will be spread over three years.
  • Ontario plans to gradually replace Chineseโ€‘made drones. The province says it wants to shift toward Canadian and allied manufacturers.
  • Canada has nominated General Jennie Carignan to lead NATOโ€™s Military Committee. Her candidacy is now being promoted by Ottawa.
  • Canadian humanitarian workers are heading to Congo in response to the Ebola outbreak. Their work will include contact tracing and psychological support.

Top Story

Laval police ask the public to come forward after an arrest in a sexual assault case

Laval police are asking for the publicโ€™s help following the arrest of a 38โ€‘yearโ€‘old man, Nicu Eduard Cristea, in an alleged sexual assault case.

The investigation suggests the victim met the suspect on the evening of April 25 at a Laval establishment. Investigators allege he provided her with alcohol and an intoxicating substance before taking her to his residence, where the assault occurred.

The man faces charges of administering a noxious substance, forcible confinement, and sexual assault. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Quebec Court on Friday.

Investigators believe there may be other victims. Anyone who has had contact with the suspect or has information related to the case is asked to contact Laval police and mention file LVLโ€‘250425โ€‘072.

In depth

Coucheโ€‘Tardโ€™s temporary discount arrives as gas prices remain high

Reminder: Coucheโ€‘Tard will offer a 10 cent per litre discount between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday at participating stations across Canada while supplies last.

Pump prices should reflect the discount during that window. At several stations in the Montreal region, including Laval, gas was around 202.9 cents per litre Wednesday morning.

It is not a game changer, but at these prices even a small break becomes useful information.

A diverted flight to Montreal shows how Ebolaโ€‘related restrictions still have real effects

An Air France flight bound for Detroit was diverted to Montreal after a passenger was mistakenly allowed to board despite U.S. entry restrictions related to Ebola.

The passenger was assessed by a quarantine officer from the Public Health Agency of Canada. He was asymptomatic and was sent back to Paris.

The rest of the passengers continued on to Detroit. Montrรฉalโ€‘Trudeau airport said the situation had no impact on its operations.

La Victoire de Montrรฉal wins the Walter Cup and returns to celebrate with fans

La Victoire de Montrรฉal captured the Walter Cup with a 4โ€“0 win over Ottawa in Game 4.

Abby Roque scored twice, Annโ€‘Renรฉe Desbiens posted a 23โ€‘save shutout, and Marieโ€‘Philip Poulin was named playoff MVP.

The next day, the team was welcomed outside the Verdun Auditorium by fans who came out to celebrate. It may not be Laval, but on the North Shore and beyond, a win like this always finds a few people ready to raise their morning coffee a little higher.

Coup de Coeur

There is something genuinely uplifting about La Victoireโ€™s triumphant return to their fans. It is not just about the trophy. It is about what it means when a team brings so many people together around the same moment.

To close

That covers the essentials this morning. Wishing you a smooth day, a few good updates between errands, and hopefully a tank of gas that hurts a little less than expected. โ˜•

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Laval Today. May. 20, 2026

Laval QC โ˜• The daily chat

Good morning,

Today we are keeping an eye on what affects daily life most directly: transportation, gas prices, publicโ€‘sector work and a few files that raise very concrete questions for Laval. We also add a bit of sports, culture and public health to cover the essentials without overwhelming your morning coffee.

What to know this morning

  • Driver who fell from the Lavalโ€“รŽleโ€‘Bizard ferry: warning signs existed as far back as 2021 Transport Canada had already flagged issues with the lifeboat and crew training, problems that have resurfaced today.
  • Coucheโ€‘Tard offering a 10โ€‘centโ€‘perโ€‘litre discount on Thursday Participating stations will apply the discount between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Quebec government engineers begin a strike at midnight The walkout is set to last one day to start, with the possibility of escalating through June.
  • Public figures call for better coordination on homelessness Pauline Marois and about thirty public figures are calling for a national summit on homelessness by 2027.
  • FIFA World Cup could cost governments more than 1 billion dollars The estimated average cost is 82 million dollars per match in Canada.

To watch for

  • School deprivation index For the 2024โ€“2025 school year, 689 elementary schools and 194 high schools are classified as disadvantaged in Quebec according to the IMSE.
  • Transport ministry cannot impose openโ€‘concept offices on its engineers A grievance arbitrator has ruled that designated workstations must be provided.
  • Snowbirds grounded until the early 2030s The current fleet will be replaced with new aircraft.

Across Canada and around the world

  • Ebola in Central Africa Global Affairs Canada says it is not aware of any Canadians affected, while the government advises against travel to the Ituri province.
  • CERB fraud Eight people from Ottawa, Gatineau and Montreal face charges in a 364,000โ€‘dollar cyberfraud case.
  • Gaza flotilla Anita Anand has requested that Israel’s ambassador be summoned after the interception of a flotilla in which 11 Canadians were detained.
  • San Diego The perpetrators of a mosque shooting reportedly met online.

Main story

Lavalโ€“รŽleโ€‘Bizard ferry raises new questions after concerns flagged as early as 2021

A driver was swept into the Riviรจre des Prairies when the ferry detached from the dock during unloading, a chaotic scene that was filmed and widely shared.

The inspection carried out four days later uncovered seven nonโ€‘conformities: a locked lifeboat, a buoy whose rope became jammed, missing inspection records and a crew that was not adequately trained for emergencies. These issues had already been identified in 2021 but were never corrected in a lasting way.

The incident also echoes a case from four years earlier, when a driver found herself only halfway onto the ferry as it pulled away too soon. She tried to alert authorities, without success. Two similar events, two ignored warnings.

For people in the area and for those who rely on this crossing, the issue goes beyond technical details. Trust in a basic public service has been shaken, especially in a stretch of river where the current is strong and small mistakes can quickly turn dangerous.

In detail

Coucheโ€‘Tard gas discount arrives as prices remain high in Quebec

Participating Coucheโ€‘Tard stations will offer a 10โ€‘centโ€‘perโ€‘litre discount on Thursday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., while supplies last. The price displayed at the pump will include the discount.

For many drivers, it is not the kind of news that changes an entire week, but it is enough to influence the timing of a detour. And when it comes to gas, these small calculations have become part of the routine whether we like it or not.

Quebec government engineers begin a strike during a critical period

Government engineers are launching a oneโ€‘day strike starting at midnight.

The APIGQ represents 1,900 members, mainly at the Ministry of Transport but also in other departments. The union says negotiations are at a standstill and the movement could intensify through June.

The key point here is timing. The conflict arrives during an important period for authorizing and launching infrastructure projects. Even when a strike seems far from everyday life, it rarely is when it affects the machinery behind public works.

Calls for better coordination on homelessness across Quebec

Thirty public figures, including former premier Pauline Marois, researchers, community leaders and union representatives, are asking the government to organize a national summit on homelessness by June 2027.

Their message is straightforward: current responses are too fragmented. They want a shared approach that aligns cities, community groups and the provincial government. For Laval, the issue is very concrete, touching frontline services, public space and the capacity of the social safety net to keep up with reality on the ground.

Ebola in Central Africa: Canada advises against certain travel and reports no Canadians affected

Global Affairs Canada says it is not aware of any Canadians affected by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The government is advising against travel to Ituri, a region where thousands of Canadians are registered. Federal authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

For families with relatives abroad or upcoming travel plans, this remains a file to watch.

Coup de coeur

Todayโ€™s cultural highlight comes from Montreal, with the return of the Mario Bartolini exhibition and an activity designed for children. Watching art move from a studio to a gallery and then into small paintโ€‘covered hands is a good reminder that culture thrives when it circulates.

In closing

Thank you for making space for this read in your morning. Take what is useful, leave the rest for later and move into your day with a bit more clarity than you had a moment ago. โ˜•